Thomas Diekwisch, DMD, PhD (sc), PhD (phil)

Professor and Head, Department of Oral Biology; Director, Brodie Laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics; Allan G. Brodie Endowed Chair for Orthodontic Research; Professor of Anatomy/Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Orthodontics, Periodontics

Research Interests

Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms in Craniofacial Development

Currently, we are using a number of mouse models to understand genetic and epigenetic factors involved in craniofacial development and disease.

Enamel Formation and Evolution

Our lab is interested in determining the mechanisms of enamel crystal formation. We are asking how mineral ions are transported toward the enamel layer and what factors govern the nucleation and elongation of enamel crystals. Using an evolutionary biology approach, we are studying the relationship between the amelogenin molecule and enamel mechanical properties.

Periodontal Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

In previous studies we have generated and characterized stem cell populations in developing periodontal tissues. We have also developed a novel ECM-based scaffold material. Currently we are performing a number of studies to examine the use of stem cells and scaffolds to regenerate periodontal and other tissues.

CP27 Gene Function in Development

The cp27 gene is a chromatin factor involved in development. More than 15 years ago, this gene was discovered in our laboratory and turned out to be an essential chromatin factor. Currently, we are defining CP27 function in development and cell division.

Tooth Movement and Temporo-Mandibular Joint Remodeling

With the foundation of the Brodie laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics, we revisited the unopposed molar model using current molecular and imaging technologies. Currently, we are using this model for studies related to tooth movement and temporo-mandibular joint remodeling.

Publications

Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering

Dangaria, S., Ito, Y., Luan, X., and Diekwisch, T.G.H. (2011). Successful periodontal ligament regeneration by periodontal progenitor pre-seeding on natural tooth root surfaces. Stem Cells and Development 20, 1659-1668.

Dangaria, S., Ito, Y., Yin, L.L., Valdr, G., Luan, X., and Diekwisch, T.G.H. (2011). Apatite microtopographies instruct signaling tapestries for progenitor-driven new attachment of teeth. Tiss. Eng. Part A 17, 279-290.

Dangaria, S., Ito, Y., Luan, X., and Diekwisch, T.G.H. (2011). Differentiation of neural crest-derived intermediate pluripotent progenitors into committed periodontal populations involves unique molecular signature changes, cohort shifts, and epigenetic modifications. Stem Cells and Development 20, 39-52.

Tooth Enamel

Zhang, X., Ramirez, B., Liao, X., and Diekwisch, T.G.H. (2011). Amelogenin Supramolecular Assembly in Nanospheres Defined by a Complex Helix-Coil-PPII helix 3D-Structure. PLoS ONE 6(10): e24952. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0024952.

Jin T, Ito Y, Luan X, Dangaria S, Walker C, Allen M, Kulkarni A, Gibson C, Braatz R, Liao X, Diekwisch TGH. (2009). Elongated polyproline motifs facilitate enamel evolution through matrix subunit compaction. PLoS Biol. 7(12):e1000262.

Diekwisch TGH, Jin T, Wang X, Ito Y, Schmidt M, Druzinsky R, Yamane A, Luan X. (2009). Amelogenin evolution and tetrapod enamel structure. Front Oral Biol. 13, 74-79.

CP27 Gene Regulation

Ito, Y., Zhang, Y., Dangaria, S., Luan, X., and Diekwisch, T.G.H. (2011). NF-Y and USF1 transcription factor binding to CCAAT box and E-box elements activates the CP27 promoter. Gene 473, 92-99.

Luan X, Ito Y, Zhang Y, Diekwisch TGH. (2010). Characterization of the mouse CP27 promoter and NF-Y mediated gene regulation. Gene 460, 8-19.

Tooth Movement

Walker CG.*, Dangaria S*, Ito Y, Luan X., and Diekwisch TGH. (2010). Osteopontin is Required for Unloading-Induced Osteoclast Recruitment and Modulation of RANKL Expression during Tooth Drift-associated Bone Remodeling, but Not for Super-Eruption. BONE 47, 1020-1029.

Luan X, Diekwisch TGH. (2007). Vienna-Chicago: the cultural transformation of the model system of the un-opposed molar. Bioessays 29, 819-830.